COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This special Reserve Series brew will only be offered December – February (limited distribution)The Abyss: Stout brewed with licorice and molasses with 33% aged in oak and oak bourbon barrels.
It’s dark. It’s deep. It’s mysterious. Aged in French Oak and Bourbon barrels, this special brew has immeasureable depth inviting you to explore and discover its rich, complex profile. The flavor of molasses and licorice draw you in further and further with each sip. The Abyss beckons. Enjoy the journey.

22oz bottle, 2007, from NYbeer, thanks Steven. Very dark black pour with a nice brown head. Chocolate, coffee and a little sweetness, quite smooth with a slightly bitter roastiness in the finish. Very well done.

Finally! This has been one of those long-time-coming beers... I’ve wanted to try it for probably ten years, and for some reason, the opportunity just hasn’t arisen. Until tonight, that is... As serendipity would have it, decided to visit a second Binny’s while in Chicago - and they had one bottle left... there you go.
As for the beer itself... well, it pours black with a beautiful head, about two fingers thick and deep tan, gradually dissipating and turning a lighter tan. Aroma of coffee, chocolate, molasses, muscovado, light bourbon barrels. Very balanced, very smooth. Taste is slightly tarty, almost berry-like, immediately up front before turning into a rich roasty finish. As I try this, I realize it will probably evolve incredibly well given a couple of years. In that way it reminds me of a richer Expedition Stout. But as it stands, it’s still a very drinkable, very big, imperial stout!

2016 Reserve. The aroma is malt, chocolate, nuts, licorice. Pours thick black with tan creamy head mostly lasting and excellent lacing. The taste is medium sweet then a medium/heavy bitter. WOW! The body is full, the texture creamy, the carbonation lively and the finish long and bitter. This is a FRICKIN DAMN GOOD BEER!!!

Join us! RateBeer is made by beer enthusiasts for the craft beer community.
Your basic membership is free and allows you to read all beer ratings.
Click here to create your account... and give your opinion!